Utah: Noriyuki Haga weekend summary

Haga swops pain for points
Following a painful crash last weekend at the Salt Lake City circuit,
Noriyuki Haga went on to astound doctors and race fans by climbing
back on his R1 and taking a ten point chunk out of Troy Bayliss's
championship ...

Haga swops pain for points

Following a painful crash last weekend at the Salt Lake City circuit,
Noriyuki Haga went on to astound doctors and race fans by climbing
back on his R1 and taking a ten point chunk out of Troy Bayliss's
championship lead.

Yamaha Motor Italia rider Haga fell heavily on the Saturday morning
practice session, coming off after a collision with another rider at the
Black Rock hairpin. After an examination by the circuit doctor it was
revealed he had broken his collarbone in no less than three places and
was advised that it was unlikely he would be able to manage any more
than one or two laps in the next free practice session.

In a clear demonstration not only of Haga's commitment to the
championship and determination to win, but also the outstanding support
of the Yamaha Motor Italia Team, Haga went on to not only ride Superpole
but also race on the Sunday and take points away with him from round 06.

Haga flew to California on the Monday for an operation by Doctor Arthur
J. Ting. The operation was successful, Doctor Ting used a plate and
eight screws to secure the break, ensuring that with a week of rest Haga
will be a little sore but fighting fit to take on the WSB pack in round
07 at the Nurburgring in Germany.

Haga now sits 5th in the championship standings, 72 points behind leader
Troy Bayliss with a further eight rounds to race. Troy Corser sits just
one point behind Haga in 6th place with 121 points so far this season.
Having found his form at the Salt Lake City circuit, both Corser and
Haga are placed to challenge for the championship.